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Monday, April 12, 2010

First off, my apologies particularly to Down the Line's long time readers for the abrupt break in posting recently. I've needed to focus my energies on some personal matters and I'm hoping *everything crossed* that I've turned a real corner. I can't promise I'll be able to post as often as I have in the past but I'll do my best to cover the really important happenings i.e. half-naked, sweaty ballers. You know, the stuff you expect from me.

That being said, I'm always open to having contributors come on board and take a swing at blogging. It'll help keep DtL going, it's quite painless and the glory is unmatched. Right. So if you like to write and you are obsessed with tennis and the boys and girls who play it, write me at downthelinetennis@gmail.com.

Now onto the "news"...

The boys have gathered in Monaco to officially kick off the 2010 clay season at the first Masters 1000, Monte-Carlo. So who looked their best at the baller party last night?

1. Tomas Berdych - I've always thought this pretty boy Czech came impeccably dressed for his on-court battles. He works styles that are simple in design but fit him well. Plus, he isn't afraid of wearing strong colors. I'm espesh loving this rugged look for the party: a motorcross/bomber style jacket and a great pair of jeans. Now stick his arse on a Ducati and we're all good.

2. Novak Djokovic with Jelena Ristic - Yes, I used the image of Nole with his girl because they looked good here. I can't hate on the pretty. Anyway, though I'd always take Nolesans clothing the World No. 2, who just split with co-coach Todd Martin, always looks drool-worthy in dark colors and tailored pieces. I'd much prefer a shorter jacket on him (why hide the ass-ets?) but that's just being picky.

3. Rafael Nadal - First the positives: Rafa's clothes actually fit him! We can finally see the defending champ's world-class body - the one we've all come to know and Rafantasize about. Now the negatives: The color combo is a bit boring. And why wear house slippers to this event? Is it a slumber party? I mean, if it is, sign me up. *grabs lingerie and bon bons*

4. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - Banker or baller? You decide.

5. Andy Murray - This is embarrassing. It's like Casper wearing a sheet. Get thee to a stylist.

6. Fernando Verdasco + Feliciano Lopez - The only reason they're listed below Muzz the Friendly Ghost is because I can't see their full outfits. But from what I can see, the boys looked like they called each other the night before to find out what they should wear:

FV: "Feli, it's Nando."FL: "What up bro?"FV: "What are you wearing to the baller party?"FL: "Not sure. Maybe a suit and a button-down shirt. Easy breezy. You Nando?"FV: "Whatta stud. Maybe the same thing. I don't know. I've been in my underwear of late so clothing seems silly these days. My bod is paying the bills."FL: "Keep it clean, Nando. Keep it clean."FV: "Claro. Shirt and suit it is!"

15 comments:

Rich! It's good to have you back :) I hope everything's going okay with you, honey. I would volunteer for some blogging but everything's a bit crazy here too. Maybe when it dies down?

ANYWAY, onto everyone's favourite topic... I THINK YOU KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO SAY. Nole is so hawt, why is Jelena so pretty, poor me etc... I know he's werking the banker look but I actually think J-W looks pretty good here. Mostly because I have a thing for hot boys in suits.

Welcome back Rich, I missed your sexy posts! No one delivers Nole quite as well as you do. ;)What can i say? Nole looking smokin' hot like usual and his girlfriend Jelena is just so pretty she doesn't even need make up, they are a great match. Rafa looks boooooring... a bit dishevelled. Actually Berdych is really handsome, great style, a natural. Don't bash poor Andy, he's trying or he doesn't give a s**t, either way he's fine.

Hey, Richie, good timing to make your 'comeback' synch with mine. (You know that TV dog that sings 'Trouble, trouble, trouble..blab blab' well, ces't moi! I swear thees past year has been hell-omg! Contessa ChiChi welcomes you back and hopes your troubles are behind you now so you can be your wonderful, carefree, cute self again! Si, si!

I theenk Novak wins thees one. Real class act. And, just so you know, Contessa ChiChi warned Raffie not to wear thees slippers cuz you might notice them (which you did) and think he just came from thees pajama party we hosted last night! By the way, I never saw such a goofy look on Ruffie's face before. Maybe hees theenking twice about hees silly-sausage-looking slippers out-of-place in social setting. What you think, Richie? And Richie, Contessa ChiChi is so glad to see you here again. *kissy kissy*

Well I don't care too much about what they wear off the court, but I agree that Murray looks not very classy. Just like on court...I care more about how they carry themsleves on court.

Here is my prediction on how they will do on court in Monte Carlo:

Monte Carlo Preview by Hartmut Hesse

The clay court season kicks off in Monte Carlo this week and will give a first indication who will be among the contenders for the French Open title this year. Even though 5 of the top 10 players (Federer needs more rest, Davydenko out with broken wrist, Del Potro also wrist injury and Roddick and Soderling because of ‘ clay allergy…’) are not in the field we will see exciting ATP clay-court tennis.Djokovic seeded No. 1 and Nadal at 2 are the defending finalists, with Nadal trying to get his 6th consecutive title in Monaco. Murray and Cilic are the othe 2 players who are in the top 4 seedings and should go to the semis.So, with Federer, Del Potro, Davydenko and Soderling there are 4 players not in the draw who are capable of giving Nadal a hard time on clay. A great opportunity for him to get a good start into his clay-court season and finally winning an ATP-title again after nearly one year of empty hands.But even with these players out of the draw, there is plenty of competition for Rafa. On his way to a potential final he has to eliminate a few Spanish clay court specialist and maybe Andy Murray in the semi-final. Ferreo, Ferrer, Almagro And Monaco are all in his section of the draw. If he gets through these players he will gain a lot of confidence, but also lose a lot of energy, before he probably faces Verdasco or Djokovic in the final.In the top half of the draw Djokovic has his hands full as well and will have to battle his way through Wawrinka, Nalbandian or Robredo, before he meets Verdasco, Cilic or maybe red hot Berdych in the semi-final.If Verdasco is completely recovered from his back injury, I see him as the favorite to reach the semis, and if he gets there he will go through to the final as well.But it will be very interesting how Berdych will handle he recent success in Miami, where he beat Federer and only lost in the final to Roddick. Was it just another flash of his great talent or was it a final break-through. We will know after this tournament.

Here is my prediction:

Nadal wins in the semis against Ferrer and Djokovic loses against Verdasco. In the final Nadal is too strong for Verdasco again and Nadal will get a record 6th consecutive title at Monte Carlo.It will give him a lot of confidence back, but it won’t be an indication that he will win the French as well. I still see Federer winning in Roland Garros and getting his first Grand Slam this year. Rafa’s career is slowly going down due to his physical way of playning, his injuries and his tournament planning, but for sure this title will give him a push for the next tournaments.